Hillary would be a better Secretary of Defense

[liberalpragmatist]

Firstly, most of the State Dept rumors are just that -- rumors. I realize Obama and Hillary had a meeting in Chicago but my own hunch is that the discussion was likely fairly broad. They probably discussed ways they can effectively work together either with Hillary as a Senator and key ally in Congress or in some kind of appointive, cabinet role.

I'm sure the Obama team is considering Hillary for a high-level position, but I think any decision is very far away and they are merely scoping out the possibilities. The feverish speculation is a tad premature. Frankly, I would be *very* surprised if she gets picked to be Secretary of State, but stranger things have happened in politics.

That being said, I think the high-level position Hillary really could be in a strong position for would be Secretary of Defense. By all accounts she is very-well respected by top military brass (moreso than her husband), and she has generally won a great deal of admiration on the Armed Services Committee.

Moreover, although we've had women in the slightly higher position of State (Albright, Rice), having a woman in charge of the Pentagon could, in many ways, be far more ground-breaking. Defense is typically seen as a male-dominated environment and having Hillary in charge would be revolutionary, at least in terms of public perceptions.

Personally, I think Hillary really would do well in the Senate, where she basically has a seat for life and could well be the next Ted Kennedy. But if she's not interested in being a senator-for-life, Defense Secretary would a great position for her. It would also give her a great perch from which to run for president in 2016 should she wish, and if she opts not to, then in 2014 she could run to succeed David Paterson as governor, or should Chuck Schumer (who has gubernatorial ambitions) run for that spot, she could return to the Senate by taking his seat.

[TheWraith]

1. Oh holy hell no.

Can you imagine the enormous shitstorm that would touch off in Congress and the media? ANYBODY else would be better. If you want a woman, make it Ann Wright or somebody.

[davidinalameda]

2. does anyone honestly think that she would play second fiddle to Obama

as a cabinet member?

I certainly don't

[progressivebydesign]

3. I see you've been drinking the Hannity Koolaid.. what flavor is it today?

I love the comments from the hillary haters here.. it's like the only democrat outside of Liberman that it's okay to hate with venom.

[davidinalameda]

7. who said I hate her

I think she's shown time and time again the only person who matters is her

[Sebastian Doyle]

4. "Obliterate Iran" as secretary of defense??

FUCK no!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. She does have all that sniper dodging experience.

It certainly adds depth to her support for the Iraq War, and belligerence against Iran.

[customerserviceguy]

6. I'm sure she's going to hold out for a Supreme Court seat

and she stands a far better chance of getting confirmed if she stays in the Senate.

[Ozma]

8. MSNBC is saying it is ALMOST CERTAIN that Hillary will be

S O S!!! So let's move on to someone else for Defense Secretary. I say leave Gates there for another year or two.. he's competent, up to speed, and won't need an orientation to the rest of the defense department, and all the military branches, and all our equipment replacement needs during the pullout of Iraq.

Let's move on. Speculation is over.

[gravity]

9. She definately has the cojones for the position